American Legion Baseball: Smittys, Watertown split

June 01, 2007|By American News Sports Staff

WATERTOWN - After being held to four hits in an opening-game loss, the Aberdeen Smittys rebounded for a victory over Watertown and a split of their season-opening American Legion baseball doubleheader Thursday night. The Smittys rode the five-hit pitching of Justin Kline to a 9-0 win in the nightcap after losing a 12-2 five-inning decision in the first game. A better effort at the plate coupled with strong pitching made the difference for the Smittys in the nightcap, said coach Mark Gulseth. “We had a better approach at the plate and Justin threw a lot of strikes,” said Gulseth. “We had trouble throwing strikes that first game.” Kline allowed five singles and struck out eight batters while walking three. Dan O'Keefe, James Torigian and Lucas Jung each had two of Aberdeen's seven hits, including a two-run home run in the first inning for Torigian. Jung and Eric Cantwell each had a double, and Jung drove in four runs. “Every time we got guys on base, we capitalized,” said Gulseth. “We had better discipline at the plate.” Watertown had its way with the Smittys in the opening game, taking advantage of eight walks. Nate Mack and Tyler Pederson had two hits each for the hosts. Pederson had a double and drove in three runs. Watertown pitcher Zach Bierscheid limited the Smittys to four hits, including a double by O'Keefe. Kline had an RBI single in the third inning, and Torigian and Michael Babcock also had base hits for the Smittys, who hit into four double plays in the opening game. The Smittys return to action tonight, hosting Sioux Falls West at Fossum Field in a 5:30 p.m. doubleheader. Aberdeen Smittys 101 00- 2 4 1 Watertown 043 05-12 8 2 Blair Fredrickson, Shane Cunningham (4) and Justin Kline; Zack Bierscheid and Justin Witham. 2B - Aberdeen, Dan O'Keefe; Watertown, Tyler Pederson. Aberdeen Smittys 220 023 0-9 7 1 Watertown 000 000 0-0 5 2 Kline and Sam Heintzman; Josh Soucy, A.J. DeLange (6) and Witham. 2B - Aberdeen, Lucas Jung, Eric Cantwell. HR - Aberdeen, James Torigian.